Changing Air Filters - How to Replace Cabin Air Filters

Air filters are used in various applications, such as the cabins of automotives, aircrafts and internal combustion of engines. The air filters are generally of two types, namely particulate air filters and chemical air filters. The chemical air filters are used to filter out the airborne contaminants like volatile organic compounds, while the particulate ones keep out pollens, dust, bacteria and mold from the air.

Changing Air Filters
The cabin air filters do the important task of keeping the air, free from soot, exhaust gases and odors. If the air filters are not changed on a regular basis, it might lead to the accumulation of dirt, impede the airflow and create the problems in cooling and heating the air. It may also cause health problems in the occupants of the cars, especially the children and seniors. It is advisable to replace cabin air filters every 12,000 miles of the distance covered by the vehicle.

How to Replace Cabin Air Filters
The first step in changing the filters is to check whether the car has one. Many people are not even aware that their automobiles have air filters. The air filters were being installed in the automobiles in Europe from the 1980s. Most of the car models released after 2001, have air filters installed in them. The filters are located either beneath the dashboard or behind the glove box. Most of the cars possess one air filter. Some of the costly or premium vehicles may have two or three filters. The filters don't require any special tools for it to be replaced. Just opening the access door would also serve the purpose. To change the filters located under the hood, however, one needs to remove the wiper blades, cowl vent louver housing and other items such as the washer bottle. While purchasing a new filter, taking along the old one helps in verification. The original filter equipments have all the necessary instructions written on it. Thus, it is not mandatory to take along the old filter.

The air filters are of two types: the particulate air filter and the activated carbon air filter. The particulate air filter is simple in its method of working. It keeps the dust, pollens, bacteria, spores and other pollutants at bay. The second one i.e. the activated charcoal filter is sophisticated and protects the occupants of the vehicle from harmful gases.

Before installing the filter, the chamber should be cleaned with the help of vacuum followed by wiping it with damp cloth. A care should be taken to see whether the filter is installed properly or not. There is a danger of a 'bypass' to develop, if the filter is not fitted perfectly. The bypass allows the unfiltered air to pass through and renders the air filter almost useless.

It is easy to replace the air filter all by yourself. However, one should also follow some safety precautions. It is necessary to handle the sharp instruments and hot objects with due care. It is not advisable to smoke or drink when one is working near the car engine. One should also avoid wearing a necktie during the process of changing the filter.

Following the guidelines mentioned above would help in changing the air filters easily. The safety precautions should also be followed strictly, since it takes a very little 'effort' to mess up a simple job.